Mitch Johnson Addresses Wembanyama’s Quiet Start as Spurs Fall Behind 2-0

The San Antonio Spurs entered Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals knowing the stakes could not have been much higher. After surrendering a late lead in Game 1, they faced the possibility of falling into a dangerous 0-2 hole against a confident New York Knicks team.

Unfortunately for San Antonio, that scenario became reality. Despite mounting an impressive comeback and briefly reclaiming the lead in the closing minutes, the Spurs suffered a heartbreaking 105-104 defeat, sending the series to New York with the Knicks holding complete control.

As has been the case throughout much of the postseason, much of the attention after the game centered on Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs superstar finished with an impressive statistical performance, recording 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, and four blocks.

Yet those numbers did not tell the entire story. For much of the first half, Wembanyama struggled to establish his usual offensive presence. Following the loss, head coach Mitch Johnson openly addressed that issue, acknowledging that San Antonio must do a better job of ensuring its franchise player is consistently involved from the opening tip.

1. A Surprisingly Quiet First Half

Coming into Game 2, many expected Wembanyama to take an aggressive approach after his comments and performance following the opening game of the series. Instead, the first half unfolded differently than anticipated. The 7-foot-4 star attempted only a limited number of shots during the opening two quarters. He scored five points in the first period and added just two points in the second, resulting in one of his quieter halves of the postseason. For a player who has become the centerpiece of San Antonio’s offense, the lack of involvement stood out immediately. The Spurs frequently struggled to generate rhythm offensively, and their inability to consistently get the ball into Wembanyama’s hands became a major talking point. Johnson later admitted that the situation was unacceptable given the stage and importance of the game. In his view, both the coaching staff and the players shared responsibility for ensuring that one of the league’s most dominant talents remained a focal point of the offense.

2. Shared Responsibility for Offensive Struggles

Following the game, Johnson explained that the issue was not as simple as placing blame on one individual. Instead, he described it as a combination of factors that prevented Wembanyama from receiving enough opportunities early. The coach acknowledged that San Antonio’s offensive structure must create more situations where the ball naturally finds its superstar. Whether through designed plays, pick-and-roll actions, or post opportunities, the Spurs need to ensure Wembanyama remains involved throughout the game. At the same time, Johnson suggested that Wembanyama must also remain proactive in seeking opportunities. Elite players often have to create offense even when the flow of the game is not naturally coming their way, particularly in the NBA Finals where defenses are specifically designed to limit stars. Johnson also pointed to moments when teammates missed opportunities to reward Wembanyama after he gained favorable positioning near the basket or during rolls to the rim. Those missed connections prevented San Antonio from maximizing one of its greatest offensive advantages.

3. Strong Finish Offers Hope for Game 3

Despite the slow start, Wembanyama reminded everyone why he remains one of basketball’s brightest young stars. After halftime, he completely changed the tone of his performance and became the driving force behind San Antonio’s comeback effort. The third quarter marked a significant turning point. Wembanyama scored 12 points while shooting efficiently and began attacking with far greater confidence. His aggressiveness created scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates, helping the Spurs steadily erase New York’s lead. He continued that momentum into the fourth quarter, adding 10 more points and spearheading a late surge that briefly put San Antonio ahead. For several minutes, it appeared that his second-half brilliance might be enough to even the series before the Knicks responded in the closing possessions. Although the comeback ultimately fell short, the second-half performance provided encouragement as the Finals move to Madison Square Garden. The Spurs now understand how important it is to involve Wembanyama from the very beginning, especially with their championship hopes hanging in the balance. If San Antonio hopes to climb back into the series, establishing its superstar early will likely be one of the team’s top priorities heading into Game 3.